Philip Morris Files Motion to Hurry Appeal

Published 8:00 pm, Sunday, June 22, 2003

Philip Morris USA Monday filed a motion with an Illinois appellate court requesting a speedier timetable for the appeal of a $10.1 billion verdict handed down in March by a Madison County Circuit Court.

The cigarette-maker, a unit of Altria Group Inc., is requesting the expedited appeal for several reasons, including its need to make periodic payments into an escrow account as part of the appeals process.

In March, Madison County Circuit Court Judge Nicholas Byron found Philip Morris misled smokers into thinking its Marlboro Lights and Cambridge Lights cigarettes were less harmful than its full-flavored brands.

The tobacco company, which makes Marlboro and other brands of cigarettes, also believes it has a duty to its investors and employees to clear up the lingering questions that are raised by the outstanding litigation as quickly as possible, said William Ohlemeyer, Philip Morris vice president and associate general counsel.

Earlier this month, Philip Morris failed in its attempt to have the Illinois Supreme Court take a direct appeal of the lower court's decision in the class-action case.

Under state judicial rules, an appeal would normally be first filed with the Illinois Fifth District Court of Appeals. That is where the company filed Monday's motions.

Also on Monday, Philip Morris USA began airing new television ads to promote its web site, philipmorrisusa.com, as a resource for tobacco-related health issues.

Altria Group stock closed at $43.85, up 84 cents, or 2 percent, Monday on the New York Stock Exchange.